MakerBot launches METHOD Carbon Fibre 3D printing solution

MakerBot, a global leader in 3D printing and subsidiary of Stratasys says it is moving into the next level of 3D printing with the launch of the METHOD Carbon Fiber Editions.

The new METHOD Carbon Fiber Editions are designed to enable engineers to print stronger and more accurate parts for manufacturing tools, jigs and fixtures, and end-use production, and can be used to print metal replacement parts in some applications.

The latest additions to the METHOD platform, the METHOD Carbon Fiber Editions print carbon fibre reinforced nylon that is optimized for high strength and heat resistance. The new METHOD and METHOD X Carbon Fiber Editions come pre-configured with a new composite extruder that is optimised to handle abrasive materials. The new extruder, which is also available as an upgrade for the METHOD and METHOD X 3D printers, has hardened metal drive gears, a metal filament switch, and an interchangeable hardened steel nozzle. It can print MakerBot Nylon Carbon Fiber material and all other model materials supported on the METHOD platform.

The new MakerBot Nylon Carbon Fiber material is an ideal lightweight alternative to metal for structural applications such as vehicular brackets and inspection gauges, manufacturing tools such as robotic end effectors, and under-hood applications. Due to its strong thermal and mechanical properties, carbon fibre is frequently used in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries. Used as an alternative to metal parts, carbon fibre can help reduce costs and increase overall efficiencies for companies.

“Nylon carbon fibre is one of the most in-demand and exciting classes of materials. Its high strength, heat resistance, and stiffness properties make it ideal for printing metal replacement parts, helping reduce costs and increase overall efficiency for companies,” said Nadav Goshen, president and CEO, MakerBot. “With the launch of METHOD Carbon Fiber, we are making composite 3D printing more accessible to more users than ever before and opening the door to new applications. METHOD Carbon Fiber is the latest addition to the rapidly growing METHOD 3D printing platform.”

MakerBot plans to offer additional composite materials available for the METHOD Carbon Fiber Editions and the composite extruder for METHOD in the future. Since the METHOD X has a higher chamber temperature than METHOD of up to 110°C on the build plane, it will be able to support a wider range of high-performance composite materials in the future. The METHOD Carbon Fiber Editions, MakerBot Nylon Carbon Fiber material, and the composite extruder are expected to begin shipping in June 2020.

The METHOD platform features industrial 3D printing capabilities that make it ideal for printing with advanced, engineering-grade materials. The combination of a heated chamber, ultra-rigid steel frame, sealed material bays, performance extruders, and dissolvable supports enable engineers to print consistently accurate parts. METHOD offers a diverse portfolio of materials for a variety of engineering applications. MakerBot materials include Nylon Carbon Fiber, PC-ABS, PC-ABS FR, ABS, ASA, Nylon, PETG, Tough, PLA, and support materials SR-30 and PVA. Additionally, with the availability of the MakerBot LABS extruder for METHOD, users can print with more industrial materials from leading material suppliers.